Hantaviruses are primarily associated with infections transmitted from which type of animal?

• A. Birds
• B. Rodents
• C. Reptiles
• D. Fish

Answer: (B)

Rodents are the primary reservoirs for hantaviruses. Infected rodents shed the virus in urine, feces, and saliva, and humans typically become infected by inhaling aerosolized particles from contaminated dust, especially in rodent-infested or poorly cleaned areas. Direct rodent bites are possible but far less common. Birds, reptiles, and fish are not reservoirs for hantaviruses, so transmission from those animals does not occur. This rodent source and inhalation route explain why rodents are the key association for hantavirus infections.